News

Reps Vow To Ensure Strict Compliance With Budgetary Appropriation

Published

3 months ago

August 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as public accounts committee commence oversight in S/West

… Query FMC Lagos, LUTH, NIMASA, others over various financial infraction

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has vowed to ensure that all agencies of government comply strictly with budgetary appropriations.

The Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the commencement of phase one of its oversight to investigate spending by agencies in the Southwest.

According to him, the Committee was not out to witch hunt any Ministry, Department or Agency but to ensure that Nigerians get value for their money.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Committee commenced its oversight with an investigative hearing on Wednesday, 21st August which will hold till Friday, 23rd August, 2024, in Lagos State.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Salam said agencies must show value for any money collected; adding that violations would not be tolerated, even as he threatened appropriate sanctions according to the law against defaulters.

The committee in its hearing entertained presentations from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, was quizzed

on various financial and regulatory infractions from the committee.

The committee during the question and answer session queried Owoeye over the recurring non-remittance of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He was also questioned for engaging in extra-budgetary spendings Andrew the inability to adhere to financial regulations thereby contravening several sections of financial regulations.

The committee also frowned at the employment principle of the hospital which failed to accommodate the federal character principle of sharing available job opportunities equitably across the geo-political zones of the country.

The committee also demanded that the hospital to account for contract sums of N422.3million as well as the spending of N50.3million on staff training.

The explanations given by the CMD fell short of the expectations of the committee and it therefore requested for records all the paid for, completed and on-going contracts.

The CMD also stated that the 500 bed facility which was established in 1907 is in urgent need of support to enable it to deliver on its mandate.

LUTH on the other hand was represented by its Medical Director, Prof. Lanre Adeyemo, explained that his hospital is also undergoing some challenges that have made its operations very difficult, pointing out that, of all of such, power supply has remain stubbornly outstanding.

He put the cost of powering the hospital at some point at over N181 million monthly until a federal government intervention of 300 solar panels were deployed.

He was grilled on non-remittance of IGR, discrepancy in Remita payments amounting to over N2 billion, extra-budgetary spendings without approval amounting to N150.3 billion in the period under review.

He was also questioned on the untidy work by the LUTH tender board, contravention of circular on no-payment for staff’s professional membership fees, amongst other sundry issues.

His justification of the issues under probe did not convince the committee and requested for necessary evidences on approvals, spendings and adherence to financial regulations.

Ruling on the matters, the committee resolved that, all the excuses rendered in explaining the contraventions was not valid and cannot be tolerated.

It posited that they amounted to gross violation of extant laws.

Both hospitals complained about personnel loss due to the “japa syndrome” and untimely release of budgetary allocations to them.

They therefore called on the committee to help them intervene in all their problems to enable them live up to public expectations.

Other MDAs scheduled to appear before the committee include: Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, NIMR; National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi; Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA); Nigerian Shippers Council, (NSC); Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA); Nigeria Railway Corporation, (NRC); Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, (CRFFN); amongst others.

News

Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Austin Ojomah

A group under the aegis of Core Public Servants, CPS hail President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr Adebowale Adedokun, a thoroughbred Procurement officer as the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

CPS in a congratulatory letter signed by Kudirat Akindero to Adedokun lauded President Tinubu for following due process and picking the most qualified to run the affairs of the soecialised agency.

In the letter, the ADSC said:

“Congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, PhD (MCIPS, CMILT), on his appointment as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“This significant achievement reflects his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing public procurement in Nigeria.

“With over 20 years of robust experience in public service, Dr. Adedokun has made substantial contributions to procurement reform.

“His distinguished academic background includes a doctorate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, complemented by four master’s degrees in Procurement, Finance, Technology, and Transportation Management.

” This diverse educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in procurement processes.

“In his career, Dr. Adedokun has held pivotal roles, including serving as a National Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on public procurement reforms.

“He represents Nigeria in the International Research Study on Public Procurement (IRSPP) and serves as a World Bank Resource Person on Sustainable Procurement. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his training of over 4,000 federal and state government procurement professionals nationwide.

” Additionally, he has been instrumental as the focal point officer for the UN Women Project aimed at empowering women in procurement in Nigeria and as the Project Coordinator/Procurement Node for the SPESSE – World Bank Project.

“Dr. Adedokun’s professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), UK; Chartered Membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT); Fellowship in the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Fellowship in the Institute of Management Consultants (ICMC), Nigeria; membership in the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACArb); Fellowship in the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); membership in the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM); and membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

In recognition of his consistent contributions to reform, Dr. Adedokun was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition by USAID’s Nigerian Reforms Project in July 2009.

As he assumes the role of Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun’s extensive knowledge and experience are anticipated to significantly contribute to the agency’s strategic repositioning.

” His leadership is expected to advance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public procurement system.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun on this well-deserved appointment.

News

Brain Drain, Infrastructure, Resource Allocation Challenges Of Health Sector – Reps

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has highlighted the detrimental impact of the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, describing it as a major challenge to the country’s healthcare system.

The Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions, Rep. Amos Magaji, stated this during a public hearing on 16 bills aimed at establishing various health institutions, on Thursday in Abuja.

Rep. Magaji underscored the need for better distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to address population growth and healthcare gaps.

He noted, “Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures,’ leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed. To improve the sector, we must invest in human resources, medical intelligence, and the administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit.”

The Chairman also brought to light the infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare institutions across the country, citing inadequate funding, lack of maintenance, and insufficient equipment as recurring issues.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, in his submission warned against the duplication of health institutions, and stated that such efforts would strain the already scarce resources.

He explained, “Existing Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers in Nigeria, including those in the North West, already provide cardiovascular care and related services. Establishing a new institute would add financial burden without addressing the core issues.”

Pate also acknowledged the migration of health workers and the need for a stronger workforce to handle emerging health challenges.

“The Federal Ministry of Health supports the establishment of new institutions but insists on considering geographical spread, population density, and disease burden in proposed locations,” he added.

The hearing emphasised the need for balanced development in the healthcare sector, adequate funding for existing institutions, and policies to retain health professionals in Nigeria.

News

Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

Published

3 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.

Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.

This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.

According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.

AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.

**Key statements on the acquisition:**

– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said: “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”

Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”

Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.

The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.